Wisconsin

The Bottom Line

Least Tax-Friendly

Wisconsin combines high income and property taxes to join our list of the top ten least tax-friendly states. Many residents of the Badger State will find themselves in the 6.27% bracket, which kicks in on income above only $22,900 for singles and $30,540 for joint filers (2018 brackets). And we estimate that property taxes for a $400,000 home in the state would run about $7,695 per year. On the plus side, sales taxes run low.

Wisconsin’s beer tax is tied for the second-lowest in the country. So at least Cheeseheads can have a cold one with their brat without having to pay too much tax.

Sales Tax

5% state levy. Municipalities can add up to 1.75% to that, but in most locations the local rate is 0.5%, with the average combined rate at 5.44%, according to the Tax Foundation.

Income Tax Range

Low: 4.0% (on up to $11,450 of taxable income for singles or up to $15,270 for married couples)

High: 7.65% (on taxable income over $252,150 for singles or over $336,200 for married couples)

Motor Fuel Taxes

Gasoline: $0.3290 per gallon.
Diesel: $0.3290 per gallon.

Property Taxes

In Wisconsin, residents pay an average of $1,924 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value.

Vehicle Taxes

Sales tax is charged at the rate set by the county where the purchaser resides.